Veggie T-Bed

Currently, Zimbabwe is drowning in a severe economic crisis, which has seen the rapid increase in food prices across the country. It is unfortunate that those at the grass roots are affected the most. Although efforts are being made to support them, the reality is that the situation has gone over board. Orphans in Orphanages and Children's Homes receive 2 basic meals a day. However, due to lack of funds, sadza and vegetables is the usual meal for most of the week, with meat occasionally. This does not provide the adequate nutrients required for a balanced diet. Some do not actually receive these meals because the number of orphans has drastically increased and this has financially constrained the government and NGOs battling to support these Children.

I have designed Veggie T-Bed in the bid to join the technological agriculture revolution, to ensure a balanced nutritional diet for the less privileged. I personally believe we are financially crippled as a country, but our minds are not. I am self sponsored and have been using my school pocket money to purchase the required material. Recently, I installed the first assemble of Veggie T-Bed at Tariro House of Hope in Epworth as a donation.

Fascinated as many may be to know who or what Veggie T-Bed is, the answer is simpler than the anticipated complex descriptions. Veggie T-Bed is a new and improved state of the art, self watering planter. This version of the self watering planter is an elevated vegetable growing bed that enables the desired vegetables(carrots) to grow in a confined portable growing space without the need to water them frequently. The grower controls 97.3% of the growing conditions for their vegetables. This highly efficient method to utilise and save water was made possible by means of designing an artificial mini soil profile within the confined space, representing the various soil horizons, armed with a sensitive water table, refilled once dry. The bed is accompanied by a 100L water tank, supported above the bed level, completing a complex water system responsible for the water table recharge.

To avoid unauthorised physical disturbances, a strong boxed fencing mechanism has been installed above the growing area. A set of adjustable lapters and a padlock have been attached to the unit to increase security. Only authorised and supervised persons will be able to access the delicate plants. Small mammals such as rats and monkeys are also restricted.

For the overall security of Veggie T-Bed, she's been rooted 15cms into solid concrete mixed with quarry stone. Technical assistance in the construction was provided by Seke Engineering. Thank you Mr Seke!!

My dream is to install Veggie T-Bed across all orphanages in Zimbabwe first. With the help of the Lord God, I hope to partner with NGOs and the government to fight the battle on one front.